Automatic target range



A ril 21, 1959 R. D. BQGNER ETAL AUTOMATIC TARGET RANGE Original FiledApril 27, 1955 e Sheet-Shet 1 FIG.\

INVENTOR. RICHARD D. BOGNER LEO STASCHOVER RUDOLPH E. BACHMAN 'AGENTApril 21, 1959 R. D. BOGNER ETAL AUTOMATIC TARGET RANGE Original FiledApril 27, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 24 INVENTOR. RICHARD D. BOGNER LEOSTASCHOVER RUDOLPH E BACHMAN AGENT AUTOMATIC TARGET RANGE Oniginal FiledApril 2'1, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 E0- STASCHOVER RUDOLPH E. BACi-MANAGENT P 1959' R. D. BOGNER ETAL 2,883,194

AUTOMATIC TARGET RANGE Original Filed April 27, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 44e4 9o as se 67 INVENTOR. RICHARD D. BOGNER LEO STASCHOVER RUDOLPH E.BACHMAN AGENT- April 1959 R. D. BOGNER ETAL 2,883,194

. AUTOMATIC TARGET RANGE Original Filed April 27, 1955 r/IOS? 6Sheets-Sheet 5 I06 C I AIR mo 24 94 s4 ll 26 1 i v M i. v c\/ 4 v FIG. 996 I 28 I05 I02 I02" INVENTOK RICHARD D. BOGNER LEO STASCHOVER RUDOLPHE. BACHMAN AGENT April 21, 1959 R. D. BOGNER ETAL 2,883,194

AUTOMATIC TARGET RANGE Original Filed April 27, 1955 e Sheets-Sheet 6INVENTOR RICHARD D. BOGNER LEO STASCHOVER FIG. l5 RUDOLP E.-BACHMAN V '1mm AGENT United States Patent AUTOMATIC TARGET RANGE Richard D. Bogner,Bethpage, Leo Staschover, Bayside,

and Rudolph E. Bachman, Manor Haven, N.Y., assigners to SterlingPrecision C0rp., Flushing, N.Y.

Substituted for abandoned application Serial No. 504,223, April 27,1955. This application October 25, 1957, Serial No. 692,966

Claims. Cl. 273--105.6)

This application is a substitute for Serial Number 504,223, filed April27, 1955, which is now abandoned.

This invention relates to a remote scoring apparatus for rifle rangesand the like.

In the operation of rifle ranges, as by the military for example, atarget is located at a distance from the rifieman. Beneath the target ina pit there is stationed an operator whose sole function is servicingthe target which includes the changing of the paper targets and scoringof the hits. This system has several basic objections. The employment ofpersonnel to perform a task that can be performed by a machine iswasteful of manpower. Men positioned in the pit are in danger ofricooheting bullets. The present manual system also lacks versatility inthat it is inconvenient and time consuming to inform the rifleman of theprecise location of each shot. In particular, a need exists for means toconveniently advise the rifieman of his results after each round so thathe may appropriately change the adjustment of his rifle sights orcorrect his firing technique.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a fullyautomatic, remotely-operated target and scoring system.

It is another object of this invention to provide a remotely controlledscoring system for fire arms.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a rapidly actingscoring system for rifle ranges.

A particular object of this invention is to provide a rifle rangescoring system incorporating a permanent recording means.

A still different object of this invention is to provide a highlyaccurate hit location detection system for a rifle target.

It is still a dilierent object of this invention to provide a rugged hitdetection system for targets.

Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus forrepeatedly detecting hits in a given target after a selected number ofrounds have been fired without introducing ambiguities.

A particular object is to provide a multiple target firing range havingmeans for simultaneously operating all targets.

Another object of this invention is toprovide an improved hit sensingmeans.

A further object of this invention is to provide an air actuated hitsensing means.

A different object is to provide an improved electrosensitive recordingmedium.

Still other objects and advantages will be pointed out withparticularity and still others will become apparent from considerationof the following description studied in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

Figure l is a pictorial view of the rifle range of this invention.

Figure 2 is a top view of the target supporting apparatus.

Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the apparatus .of Figure 2.

2,883,194 Patented Apr. 21, 1959 Figure 4 is a side elevational view ofthe apparatus of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an enlarged plan view of the sensing device of thisinvention.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the indicating circuit of a device ofthis invention.

Figure 7 is a pictorial view of a recording apparatus of this invention.

Figure 8 is a cross-section of the apparatus of Figure 7, taken on line8-8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a diagram of a control circuit, partly in schematic andpartly in perspective.

Figure 10 is an elevational view of a commutator in a device of thisinvention.

Figure 11 shows in elevation an air-pressure sensitive detection meansemployed in the apparatus of this invention.

Figure 11A is a plan view of a portion of atypical bank of the detectionmeans shown in Figure 11.

Figure 12 discloses pictorially an improved electrosensitive recordingmedium for a device of this invention.

Figure 13 shows an electrosensitive element forming a portion of themedium of Figure 12.

Figure 14 shows, greatly enlarged, a side view of a portion of analternative sensing medium.

Figure 15 shows in plan a view of the sensing medium of Figure 14.

In the various figures, like numbers refer to like parts.

In Figure 1 there is shown a typical rifle range employing the apparatusof this invention. A plurality of firing positions identified bynumbered range stakes 10 are provided with a target 12 and a recorder 14connected by cable 16 to sensing devices disclosed more fullyhereinafter. The cable 16 may be run underground as a protection againstbullets. A plurality of targets 12 are printed on a roll of paper 18.

With reference to Figure 2, the roll 18 is placed on spindle 20 andconnected to a take-up spool 22. The spool arrangement is shown inFigures 2, 3 and 4 wherein supporting frame 24 supports spindle 20 andtake-up spool 22. Frame 24 is mounted on piston 26 which fits incylinder 28 so as to provide a conventional pneumatic lift arrangement27. Pneumatically operated motor 30 operates take-up spool 22.

By means of pneumatic lift 27 target 12 may be lowered into pit 32 andtherefore out of the line of fire. As will be explained hereinafter amaster control is provided which enables the firing range olficer tosimultaneously drop all targets. In the performance of the rapid firingtest, for example, participants are required to fire a given number ofrounds in a prescribed period of time. In the prior type of range,riflemen could fire after the signal to stop firing was given and havethe shot recorded. In the range of this invention the targets can bedropped at the signal so that only shots fired before the stopping"signal is given can effectively hit the targets.

As shown in Figure 4, target 12 is lowered into the pit by action ofpneumatic lift 27. Fingers 36 located :on both sides of paper sheet 18maintain the paper in a rigid condition in a restricted region oppositeorifices 40 in air manifold 42. Manifold 42 may be attached to theconcrete wall 43. Opposite each of the orifices 40 there is provided asensing device 44. Such a sensing device is shown in the plan view ofFigure 5. An insulating plastic base 46 supports a number ofhorizontally aligned contacts 48. A flexible metal band 49 is held intension opposite contacts 48 by means of spring 50. Bullet holes 54through the target permit air from orifices 40' to deform band 49 so asto touch the corresponding contact, to thus complete the circuit fromlead 52 to lead 56'.

'port the recorder 14-.

shade and as a mount for a source of illumination such from cylinder 98so as to lower the target.

Thus sensing element 44 serves to detect bullet holes in a series ofvertical lines. There are 250 individual contacts provided for a 6'target providing a resolution of approximately 0.3". This resolution isadequate for the purpose as a .30 caliber bullet will produce a 0.3"hole-ata range {of 300 yards.

As shown in Figure 4, as the target is lowered brush member of verticalcommutator 61 traverses commutator segments 62 and take-off64'to provideinformation as to the horizontal line being sensed. The commutator 61 isprovided with 250 segments to provide vertical resolution comparable tothe horizontal resolution. A source of power 66 energizes the'circuit.The commutator 61 may be attached to post-63 which in combination withpost supports sensing device 44.

Referring to Figure 6, it will be 'seen that-an energized circuit nowexists from powersupply fid throu-gh lead '52 through switch 48-andleads 56 through cable;-l'6 to I between the vertical grids 68 andhorizontal grids 70.

In the region common to a particular pair of energized grids, thepotential difierence will cause a mark to be formed :on the paper in aregion corresponding to that of the bullet hole in the target.

Physically, the said vertical and horizontal grids are located inrecorder 14. As shown in Figure 8, transparent glass or plastic cover 67supports vertical grids 68. Platen 76 carries horizontal grids 70.Platen 76 is spring loaded so as to provide a pressure contact betweengrids 68 and 70 and paper 72.

If the recorder is positioned with the recording medium in a horizontalplane, then both grids would be in a horizontal position also, with therecording medium therebetween.

Crank 78 serves to transport paper 72 so as to expose fresh portions asrequired. Such mechanisms which will release the platen and transportthe paper are well known to theart and accordingly are not describedherein in detail. A target 80 may beimprintedon the paper. This target80 maybe aligned by the use of'cross-hairs 82 on cover 67.

There is also provided a' serrated edge 84 for tearing oii recordedsheets. Tripod 86 and pivot head 88 sup- Hood 90 is intended as a sunasan electric bulb 69.

A number of controls are provided for remote operation of the target.Switch 92 raises the target; switch 4 lowers the target; switch 96 movesthe used target so as to expose a fresh target. As this is done, a freshsection of recording paper 72 is inserted in the recorder.

Referring to Figure 9, it will be appreciated that closing of switch 92completes a circuit from power source 95 to latching type solenoidcontrolled valve 96. Valve 96 admits compressed air from amain 98visible in Figure 4, into cylinder 28 (Figure 9) soas to'raise-lift'piston 26 until frame member 24 closes limitswitch 19%.Clo-sing of switch 1% in turn results in closing of valve '96. Thus oncethe operator closes the switch 92 the target is thereafter automaticallypositioned at the proper height.

Switch 94 actuates solenoid valve 102. which bleeds air Likewise,sw1tches"94 and 94" actuate solenoid Valves 102' and 102" which providesimilar functions, as does valve 102,

solenoid valves 162, MP2 and 162 etc., so as to simultaneously l ov/erall the targets on the firing range. A master switch not shown may alsobe provided for the purpose of simultaneously raising all targets.

Motor 30 is used to wind up paper l8 on take-up spool 22 and thus bringfresh targetsZZ into position. Switch 96 actuates latching type solenoidvalve 106 which admits air to motor 30 until the solenoid isde-energized by closing of switch 108 by action of hole 116 in the paper18. Holes iii are appropriately spaced in relation to imprinted targets12. so that they serve to accurately position the targets 12 in theproper relation to the firing position.

In place of the commutator 61 shown in Figure 4, a rotary type 62 asshown in Figiu'e 10 may be employed. This type employs radially deployedcommutator segments 6 take-oh track 64 and a crush 66'. In thisembodiment brush 60'- is carried by gear lltl which is rotated by rack122 which is mounted so as to move up together with frameZd. Theadvantage of -this embodiment lies in its adaptability to enclosureagainstdust and other environmental conditions.

In Figures 11 and 11A there is shown, in elevation and in planrespectively, an alternate type of air-pressure sensitive detectionmeans. In this embodiment an insulating plastic base supports contacts126 and flexible metal reeds 128. Air from orifice 46 passing throughbullet hole 136 is shown deflecting reed Reeds 128 and 128"- are shownin their undefiected position.

In order to-protect the roll of target paper 13, spindle 2t) and take-upspool 22 steel shields 13d and 132 are priovided,'as shown in Figure l.The shields are supported from concrete pit walls 43.

As shown in Figure 2, in order to permit the use of thin economicalpaper 18, there is provided supporting canvas belt 134 which is arrangedto move about rollers 136 as the paper is advanced so as to present afresh surface and'thus extend the belt'life. The canvas bel serves as awindbreak and stifiener.

There are a number of commercially available electrosensitive paperssuch as, for example, semi-conducting papers, which consist of a cuprousthio-cyanate coating 140 applied in combination with a lacquer binder tothe paper stock-142. Certain of these papers employ a metal-- lizedbacking 14-4. In utilizing such backed papers it is preferable to punchout segments 146 and insert themin a paper matrix 148 so as toelectrically isolate them asshown in Figures 12- and 13.

In anotherembodiment, Figure 15,- paper stock-150 is coated withelectrically conductive metal or graphite strips 152. These strips 152thus provide one set of conductive grids to which contact is made bymeans of spring or roller type brushes 154. The electro-sensitiverecording medium 156 is printed as isolated clumps onto the strips 152.This embodiment permits the use of but one set of recording grids.

In place of the preferred pneumatically operated devices disclosed, itis contemplated that for selected installations, hydraulic, electricalor mechanical actuation means may be employed. Combinations of suchmeans may be used. For example, the lift may be actuated by a rack gearor a hydraulic cylinder while the takeup spool motor may be anelectrically energized type.

- Other switching'means may be substituted for switch 44 as, forexample, a photoelectric cell' actuated bya light source in place of airsource 42.

While we-have' disclosed the best mode 'of carrying out the inventionpresently contemplated, we wish it understood that many changes may bemade in the various constructional details and that accordingly wedesire to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What we claim as new is:

l. A rifle range comprising a target station and a marking station forpermanently recording the position I of bullet perforations on a target,the said target station comprising a perforable target adapted to beraised and lowered, vertical scanning means for said target adapted toproduce a first electrical potential, horizontal scanning means forsaid'target adapted to produce a second electrical potential dilferingin value from said first potential, the said vertical and the saidhorizontal scanning means being disposed below the line of fire andadapted to scan said target with reference to bullet perforations assaid target is lowered and brought into juxtaposition with said scanningmeans, conductor means adapted to carry said first and said secondelectrical potentials to said marking station, the said marking stationcomprising means to remotely control the raising and lowering of saidtarget, means to remotely control the replacement of said target with afresh target, and circuit connecting means for said first and saidsecond potentials, said circuit connecting means including a first setof electrodes energizable by said first electrical potential, a secondset of electrodes energizable by said second electrical potential, and asheet of electro-sensitive recording medium interposed between saidfirst and said second set of electrodes to complete an electricalcircuit, whereby said medium is permanently marked by current flow uponenergization of said electrodes, to indicate the perforated aspect ofsaid target.

2. A device as in claim 1 wherein said vertical scanning means comprisea plurality of vertically disposed conductive segments traversed andcontacted individually in sequence by a wiper adapted to move downwardlyas said target is lowered, in synchronism with said target, saidconductive segments being electrically connected to said first set ofelectrodes disposed at said marking station, corresponding in number tosaid vertically disposed segments, and a source of potential wherebysaid electrodes of said first set are energized individually in sequencecorresponding to the electrical energization of the said verticalsegments; and said horizontal scanning means comprise a plurality ofhorizontally aligned sensing ele ments adapted to be actuated whenever aperforation in said target appears in proximity with one of said sensingelements as said target is lowered, said sensing elements beingelectrically connected to a second set of a plurality of alignedelectrodes disposed at said marking station, corresponding in number tosaid horizontally aligned sensing elements and a source of potentialwhereby said electrodes of said second set are energized individually insequence corresponding to the electrical energization of the saidhorizontally aligned sensing elements.

3, A device as in claim 1 wherein said horizontal scanning meanscomprise a horizontally disposed air manifold having a plurality of airvents adapted to direct individual air streams upon said target whensaid target is moved downwardly past said air manifold, the said airstreams then passing through the bullet perforations in said target, andsensing means adapted to be actuated by pressure of said air streampassing through said bullet perforations.

4. A device as in claim 1 wherein said horizontal scanning meanscomprise a horizontally disposed air manifold having a plurality of airvents adapted to direct individual air streams upon said target whensaid target is moved downwardly past said air manifold, the said airstreams then passing through the bullet perforations in said target, ahorizontal flexible electrically conductive band moved laterally bypressure of said air vents passing through said bullet perforations, aplurality of individual electrical contacts disposed in horizontalconfronting relation to said conductive band whereby electricalconnection is made by air pressure thrust between said band and saidindividual contact only at the point where a bullet perforation existsin said target, said individual electrical contacts being electricallyconnected to a said second set of a plurality of electrodes disposed atsaid marking station corresponding in number to said target stationelectrical contacts, whereby said electrodes of said second set areindividually energized by the presence of a bullet perforation in saidtarget, so as to provide a difference in potential between a selectedelectrode of said second set and a selected electrode in said first setand thereby mark the said medium.

5. A device as in claim 1, wherein said marking means at said markingstation comprise a support member, a platen mounted on said supportmember, a first set of parallel electrodes disposed in said platen, aflat transparent member disposed in abutting relation against saidplaten, a second set of parallel electrodes disposed in said transparentmember, said second set being at right angles to said first set to forman electrode grid in conjunction with said first set, one of saidelectrode sets being in electrical contact with the said horizontalscanning means of said target station, the other of said electrode setsbeing in electrical contact with the said vertical scanning means ofsaid target station, said electro-sensitive recording medium beinginterposed and se curely retained between said platen and saidtransparent member, whereby the intersection of an individuallyenergized electrode of said first set with an individually energizedelectrode of said second set will cause a current flow through saidmedium to permanently mark said medium at the said point of intersectionin closely accurate correspondence to the point of said bulletperforation in said target.

6. A device as in claim 1 wherein said vertical scanning means comprisea vertically disposed rack adapted to be lowered in correspondence tothe lowering of said target, a rotary brush geared to said rack androtated thereby, a plurality of radially deployed commutator segmentsadapted to be wiped individually in sequence by said rotary brush, saidcommutator segments being electrically connected to a first set of aplurality of electrodes disposed at said marking station, correspondingin number to said radially deployed commutator segments, and a source ofpotential, whereby said electrodes are energized individually insequence corresponding to the electrical energization of the saidcommutator segments.

7. A device as in claim 1 wherein said horizontal scanning meanscomprise a horizontally disposed air pipe having a plurality of airvents adapted to direct individual air streams upon said target whensaid target is moved downwardly past said air pipe, the said air streamsthen passing through the bullet perforations in said target, a pluralityof flexible electrically conductive reeds, adapted to be moved laterallyby pressure of said air streams passing through said bulletperforations, a plurality of individual electrical contacts disposed inhorizontal confronting relation to said reeds whereby electricalconnection is made by air pressure thrust between said reeds and thesaid individual contact corresponding to a bullet perforation in saidtarget, each of said individual electrical contacts being electricallyconnected to a corresponding one of a plurality of electrodes of saidsecond set of electrodes, disposed at said marking station,corresponding in number to said target station electrical contacts, anda source of electrical potential different in value than said firstelectrical potential, whereby selected ones of said second set ofelectrodes are individually energized by the presence of a bulletperforation in said target.

8. A target station and a marking station, an air operated pneumaticlift, positioned at said target station, valve means controlling air tosaid lift, means disposed at said marking station to remotely open saidvalve so as to raise said lift, means for automatically closing saidvalve means when said lift reaches a predetermined level, a roll offlexible sheeting bearing target markings, means for supporting saidroll on said lift, means to maintain said flexible sheeting rigid, anair-driven motor and means associated therewith supported by said liftand adapted to transport said target-marked sheeting, means disposed atsaid marking station for remotely operating and controlling said motor,a plurality of air actuatable switch means arranged horizontally'belowthe level of firing, a source of air positioned opposite each of saidswitch means, the said switches beingac'tuated by air passing throughbullet perforations in thetarget,"said'switches and air source beingfixedly positioned so as to horizontally scan said target when said liftis lowered, a commutator provided with a plurality of conductivesegments, a movable contact-making means arranged to be positioned incontact with one of said conductive segments in accordance'with theposition of said lift to vertically scan said target, a

recording apparatus disposed in said marking station including a firstset of electrodes. electrically connected to said vertical scanningmeans, a secondset of electrodes electrically connected to saidhorizontal scanning means,

' means to support'an electro-sensitive recording medium between saidfirst and said'second sets of electrodes and in contact therewith, andmeans to electrically energize said vertical scanning means and saidconnected first set of electrodes with a first electrical potential,means to electrically energize said horizontal scanning means and saidconnected second set of electrodes with a second electrical potentialdiffering in magnitude from said first electrical potential, wherebysaid electro-sensitive recording medium is permanently marked by a flowof current resulting from said potential diiference to indicate theperforated aspect of said target.

9. A rifle range comprising in combination: an airoperated pneumaticlift; valve means controlling air to said lift; means to remotely opensaid valve means so as to raise said lift; means for automaticallyclosing said valve means when said lift reaches a predetermined level; aroll of flexible sheeting bearing target markings; means for supportingsaid roll on said lift; an air driven motor if and means associatedtherewith supported by said lift and adapted to transport saidtarget-marked sheeting; remotely operated means for controlling saidmotor; means to maintain said flexible-sheeting rigid; a plurality ofair actuatable switch means-arranged in a horizontal row and a source ofair positioned opposite each of said switch means, the said switchesbeing actuated by air passing through bullet perforations in the target,said switches and air source being fixedly positioned so as tohorizontally scan said target when said lift is lowered; a commutatorprovided with a plurality of conductive segments; a movablecontact-making means arranged to be positioned in contact with one ofsaid conductive segments in accordance with the position of said lift,to vertically scan said target; a recording apparatus including a firstset of electrodes connected to said vertical scanning means; a secondset of electrodes connected to said horizontal scanning means; means tosupport an electro-sensitive recording-medium between said first andsecond sets of electrodes and in contact therewith; and means toelectrically energize said electrodes, whereby the passage of electriccurrent through said electro-sensitive recording medium indicates theperforated aspect of said target.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said means for supporting saidflexible sheeting consists of a flexible belt supported by said lift.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS966,361 Rose Aug. 2, 1910 1,185,720 Rose June 6, 1916 2,104,171 SchwerinJan. 4, 1938 2,767,987 Klose Oct, 23, 1956

